Amrit: The Big Indian Chain Restaurant in Berlin

Like I said before, I am not really into chain restaurants. But after my elaborate experience with Indian take-away and order-in food, I will explore the large chain of Indian restaurants in Berlin called Amrit. The largest and probably most well-known Amrit location is on the Oranienburger Straße and consists of two sections. The one on the left is a large, posh (yet may considered tacky by some) restaurant and on the right Amrit has a large patio-restaurant that can be opened completely in summer. Since the Oranienburger Straße is one of Berlin’s most beloved tourist’s spots, it is not surprising to see many tourists lounging in and around Amrit. Another large and well-known location of Amrit is to be found on the Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg, around the corner from Green Rice. Yet another Amrit restaurant is in Schöneberg, on the Maaßenstraße, almost next to the Vietnamese and Thai restaurant Chaapa. I would personally recommend the locations in Schöneberg and Kreuzberg, as the restaurant in Mitte is mostly very busy (and extremely touristy).

Eating out Indian food

So, the most important thing about a restaurant is of course the food. And the food at Amrit is surely not bad. I have eaten at Amrit at least five times, so I am definitely of the opinion that they serve quite decent food (otherwise I would be quite the sucker for going back). The sad thing is just that they will make you feel like you are in a chain restaurant. The service is hasty and mostly unpersonal. Some of the staff are very nice and friendly and will make you feel at home, but you will need to chat up one of the more experienced (or high-up) members of staff for such luxury. They can also be unflexible when you want to make a slight alteration to your meal, which I think should always be a possibility open for discussion in any restaurant, not simply be replied with a simple “no, not possible”. I do go out to dinner to relax, enjoy the service and the food. For which I pay. I prefer pampering over arguing.

Good Indian food? Great Indian food?

However, comparing it with my other Indian experiences, it is not that great either. The most frustrating about this restaurant is that a couple of the curries taste similar – which is a shame. Just by ordering at Amran twice, I got two completely different, yet equally fantastic curries in my kitchen. Yet, after eating at Amrit at least three to four times, I got used to not expecting too much. The food is good, just not mind-blowing. The appetizers here are fabulous though. You can fill yourself up with nibbles of naan, sauces, nice meat balls and flavourful cheeses. Therefore, my personal advice would be to order a mixed appetizer plate, or just lots of appetizers – which will get you filled up even more than a main dish and will offer a larger variety of food.

What makes this place fabulous?

The deco is very un-subtle, but extremely extravagant and quite atmospheric if you’re in such a mood. It is pretty, clean and fabulously over the top.

All locations have large and comfortable outdoor seating arrangements where you can enjoyably sip your summery cocktails.

Generally, the staff is quick and friendly, just do not complicate your orders with a personalised request. (They do work chain-restaurant-style.)

What makes this place less fabulous?

I would say, for the food that you get, Amrit is quite pricey. Very afforable, but I would not categorise it as a budget restaurant, with prices around ten euros for a basic curry (and extra charges up until 3 euros for naan or chapati). Cocktails are also non-budget, but they do offer affordable happy hours.